Calls for hand sanitisers to fight NSW flu

NSW Health data released on Friday reveals 66 confirmed influenza deaths in the six months to June 30.

Of them, 26 were in residential care facilities and among people with other significant health issues.

State Labor’s acting health spokesman Walt Secord called on the Berejiklian government to put hand sanitisers in public places such as shopping malls and sporting venues to help limit the spread of the flu.

“Make no mistake, this is the worst flu season on record,” he said in a statement on Saturday.

A NSW Health spokesman said measures are in place to limit the spread of the flu, with the state having one of the biggest uptakes of vaccination across the country.

“We have the fastest flu testing available in the country and every week we are updating our flu messaging and encouraging people to get their vaccinations,” he told AAP on Saturday.

NSW Health communicable diseases director Vicky Sheppeard urged NSW residents to get vaccinated, insisting it’s the best protection against the flu.

“It is not too late to get vaccinated … so please take advantage of the free jab,” she said in a statement.

Australian Associated Press